I felt a presence behind us as I heard my mother clear her throat. “So … this is the young woman mage who has captured the heart of my son.” We broke apart but I swore it took supreme effort on both our parts. “You must be Naci, the one that Toman saved from the bear.”
Naci turned toward my mother as she blushed nodding her head yes. Mother was about to reach out when she gasped. “You are a wild magic user also!” Then a sly smile crossed her features. “Good a strong woman to help keep an eye on him!”
I rolled my eyes at my mother as Naci started to giggle, “Yes mam, I have tried. Though it isn’t easy I’ve already had to stop him from killing father when he lost control.”
“Toman! You almost killed her father? Tsk, Tsk, son. Not a real good way to impress a girl.” Mother stated.
“Hey!” I yelled. “He pissed me off! He wouldn’t stop pushing; besides I was still mad as hell about that hunter hurting pops!”
Mother’s face suddenly fell as she nodded. “I know I was there, had you not strengthened him he’d not have made it. Thank you Toman.” This last was whispered.
“Yes, I have to thank you also Toman,” Naci added. “What you did for father has helped him also.”
I nodded, “I’ve found that I can help anyone. I even opened up Merlin a few of his were covered you might say. He said he has almost all that he used to. So I guessed I helped.”
This time it was mother and Naci who were rolling their eyes. “Toman you have to realize that there are very, very few who can do that. As I remember there WERE only two, though I don’t think she really wants to help anyone at the moment. Last I heard she locked herself away on an island in the dark range of the magic world.” Mother told me.
“The dark range? Not sure I have ever heard of that.” I told her.
“It is a place of darkness and evil. It has existed a very long time. Stories of it go back to the beginning of written word.” Merlin told us as he walked up to us. “When Morgana attacked me I was able to subdue her for a short time. She told me that she had been cursed several times that she needed to leave before she hurt me. I told her that I could help her that everything that had happened was not her fault.” Here Merlin sighed. “She had at least forty curses on her I had managed to take three off her, almost had the fourth when she went on the rampage she had.”
“Merl?” Pops said in shock. “Were you in love with her?”
Merlin quickly averted his face a few tears falling from his eyes. “I was Reg, aye I was, hopelessly, desperately. After I subdued her I finished the fourth. Then I managed to get five more before she awoke. She kissed me with tears in her eyes. Told me she was going, even after I told her I had removed nine of the curses. I told her I could take the rest. She sadly shook her head saying there wasn’t time, thanking me. Then she told me she loved me and was gone. That was hundreds of years ago.”
Mother and Naci had tears in their eyes. All the stories about Merlin and Morgana had them as bitter enemies and rivals. Shaking my head it just went to show just how information could be lost in the re-telling of a story.
We were almost to teepee that pops and I shared when I started to stumble a bit. “Tall Bear?” I asked.
“Yes Toman? Can I help?” He asked a little concerned.
“Yes, when I am awake again I suggest that Naci and I unite. I am going hunting as soon as I can. I am through being a sitting target. I think it’s about time I took the fight to them. Especially after today. I can feel that my control is almost complete.” Here I turned toward my mother. “If I am going to free father I need to build up my strength and power. I don’t feel I should be sitting around here. Plus I think I might get these people killed if I stay here.”
Tall Bear nodded, “I thank you for the concern that you are showing for all of them. While you are resting I will announce and have everything prepared.”
“Thank you Tall Bear, I am afraid that we will be leaving not long after that.” I replied to which he nodded his agreement. Turning to Naci I told her, “I am sorry that I haven’t had time to help you grow stronger. I will try to remedy that as we travel. The stronger the better.”
Leaning over she kissed me sending another shock through me that damn near knocked off my feet! “Thank you Toman I will do all I can to be the best partner to you.” Here she smiled slyly, “In all ways.” I nodded not all that sure what she was talking about I was just glad that she’d be there to help.
Walking in I was shocked when I saw a mage bed in place of the skins on the floor. Turning I stared at pops. “You earned it son, more than earned it.” Nodding I took a step then another then collapsed.
Sinking into the exquisite softness of the bed I felt my entire body relax. Strange the whole time I was out of it I don’t remember a single dream. Finally I jerked awake snapping my eyes shut immediately from the bright light.
[Well, it’s about time you awoke. Ha! Teach you to use your life energy. Especially now that you have linked your magic, wild magic and life energy together.] Came pops gruff thoughts.
[Ugh not so loud pops geez! How long have I been out?] I asked him.
[Three days son! We were starting to get a little worried that you WEREN’T going to wake up. Naci is almost beside herself with worry. She’s been there every day checking on you. Never lose that with her Toman, the union of you two is going to make a very strong partnership.] Pops told me.
Sitting up a little quick the world started to roll a bit as my head was also swimming a moment. “Weak as hell aren’t you?” I heard a voice on the other side of the teepee. “That was a hard way to learn and link your life energy Toman. I could have showed you an easier way had we the time.”
“I know but I couldn’t leave her, not after all that we’ve been through. I have to admit she did delay him a bit. Just wish I’d also strengthened her.” Sighing I shook my head, “I always seem to forget something. Guess I’m still young though I did learn quite a bit with you. I just hope it’s enough when I meet the council leader’s son. Then there is this war I am about to start with Naci along.”
“With the control you have I think you far outclass even the strongest of them.” Merlin was deep in thought for a few moments then he nodded his head. “There is another trick I think that you need to learn my boy. I’ve informed all involved that you and I will be busy the rest of the day. So if you’re up for it shall we go?” Nodding Merlin smiled then we were suddenly within the bubble.
Naci was furious, she was worried, concerned, frightened, thrilled Argh! She was more confused than she had ever been! Uncle Merlin said it would only be a few hours! It was almost dark! He and Toman had been gone almost the whole damn day. For the umpteenth time she decided she’d waited long enough they actually started to leave! A moment later Merlin appeared walking to the marriage circle that had been set up. Nodding to Naci she couldn’t help but notice the bruises and the limp her uncle had.